*Mark Grau's Rookie Receiver Outlook | W9&W10

[keanex]

And here we are, after a frenzy of some exciting NSFL trade before the deadline and wow quite some changes! We're not here to talk about that though, if you want to see some fantastic analysis on the trades check out @AdamS's analysis right here.

Today I'm going to breakdown the top three receiving prospects performances from weeks 9 and 10.

Kansas City | Arkhan Eldwyne II @AzhekAhriman

Week 9 | Coyotes 23 - Pythons 21
4 Receptions on 6 targets with 1 drop, 38 Yards, 0 TDs, 1 Targeted Int

In what many would consider a "must win" game for the Coyotes Arkhan played an average game. Neither standing out, nor being an issue. The stat line is very familiar when looking at his year, just middling. It's not as if his quarterback Mark Strike really helped. He put up poor numbers this week with a barely over 50% completion percentage and 3 interceptions - one on a Arkhan target.

So despite a middling stat line, how did Arkhan perform? Well he was instrumental in a touchdown drive where Strike took to using his legs to get the job completed. He also picked up a huge 16 yard gain to help put the Coyotes in position to get the game winning field goal for a much needed win.

Can't say much else, Arkhan came in clutch in a big moment of the game against the leagues top team.

Week 10 | Coyotes 17 - Marshals 0
3 Receptions on 4 targets with 0 drops, 35 Yards, 0 TDs

Another middling stat line, but Arkhan was important in putting the Coyotes into another field goal position which kicker Meoff just couldn't put between the posts. The only missed target was an erratic throw by Strike.

There's not much to say about this performance, the offense numbers were low overall and Arkhan led the team with receiving yards with 35. Marshals didn't seem to want to play and the Coyotes coasted once they secured a three possession lead. Arkhan caught every catchable ball, and he couldn't do much more than that. Separation was solid, but Mark Strike just couldn't find him on at least two occasions.

Outlook
Seemingly improving on his hands, footwork, and consistency. I hate to bag on a quarterback, but I feel that Arkhan is being held back by the inconsistent play and seemingly run-first nature of Mark Strike.

Tijuana | Viggo Squanch @Durden

Week 9 | Lucharadores 14 - Seawolves 27
5 Receptions on 7 targets with 2 drops and an interception, 56 Yards, 0 TDs

Let's clear up the air, Pennington is a buster. He is probably the worst QB in the DSFL and it's quite a sad state of affairs that a top-tier threat like Viggo has to have this guy throwing to him. With any other quarterback Viggo would be in the running for the triple-crown, but nope he has Bummington. Did you know Bummington doesn't wash his hands after he uses the bathroom?

Anyway, Squanch put up solid numbers despite his poor quarterback play. Those two drops are nonsense, Viggo barely could get to them and it's ridiculous to put them on his stat line, but those are the numbers. He should be 7 receptions on 84 yards, but you know, Bummington.

Week 10 | Lucharadores 20 - Solar Bears 31
6 Receptions on 11 targets with 1 drop, 68 Yards, 0 TDs, 2 Targeted Ints

Bummington does it again, 5 interceptions on 44 attempts, and almost a 6th. There were 2 interceptions on Squanch targets and almost a third if Viggo hadn't broken it up.

Squanch had 1 drop, but again, we're talking about a throw that was barely even off Viggo's fingertips despite how bad it was. Any Bummington defender needs to go watch the play, it was horrendous. Still, Viggo bailed out the struggling "quarterback" more than once by hauling in some miraculous catches. Excellent separation through and through, great hands, and some big playability. Squanch showed it all here in a heartbreaking loss that could hurt their playoff chances.

Outlook
Ladies and Gentleman this is the receiver you want to bail out your rookie quarterback. He will make them look better. He's a stud and I've said that over and over. Get em Viggo.

Portland | Maxwell Macbeth @LattimoreIsland

Week 9 | Pythons 21 - Coyotes 23
1 Reception on 3 targets with 0 drops, 12 Yards, 0 TDs, 1 Targeted Int

This was a tough game as a whole, the Coyotes are a match-up nightmare through and through and they make it hard for anyone to make a play. Macbeth put up 12 yards on 1 reception and had an interception when thrown his way. It was a contested ball and he fought hard for it, but you can't win them all.

Macbeth's only reception was one that was in an important drive at the end of the game, unfortunately McCoy let one go that he wishes he had back, it ended up in an interception to close out the game.

Week 9 | Pythons 36 - Seawolves 17
4 Receptions on 5 targets with 1 drop, 25 Yards, 0 TDs

While the yards per catch was, to be quite honest, pathetic, Macbeth is filling his niche on this team as a chain mover. We saw McCoy use Macbeth as a safety net more than once in this game and more than once in the weeks of the past. This is a sign of trust building.

Numbers aren't flashy, but he converted for 2 first downs and only had one drop. This is a solid game for Macbeth who is starting to turn the corner in time for the playoffs.

Outlook
Macbeth is a slow start, but it hasn't been his fault entirely. McCoy is still finding his rhythm and Mark Grau is getting the bulk of the targets when Gore isn't tearing up the turf. I think that some recent moves in the NSFL may have Macbeth being looked at a little bit more now.

(1022 words, Ready for grading, should get a bonus for Bummington having to be mentioned)

[AdamS]

:cheers: